Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

colwyn500 · Joined: 21 Oct 2012 Posts: 1745 Location: Nairn, Scotland

I am looking for a "magic bullet" way to remove long term verdigris and general oxidation from the connectors on my wiring loom. It's a '60's Fiat so I want to overcome the "dodgy electrics" reputation.
I am aware of electrical contact spray and that I can physically clean them with a small wire brush or fine wet and dry but the female spades are awkward.
The internet suggests dipping in Coca-Cola or vinegar; I don't have the former and tests with vinegar are inconclusive.
Any suggestions will be welcomed and tried if they are new to me.

Jim.Walker · Joined: 27 Dec 2008 Posts: 1229 Location: Chesterfield

Any bluish sulphated deposits can be easily removed with a water solution of washing soda, Magical on battery terminals!
Dirt is another matter and generally needs abrasion. Acids tend to damage other things though phosphoric acid may help (Coka Cola contains phosphoric acid, but very diluted hence slow reaction).
Whatever is tried - wash off with clean water afterwards.
Many rust removers, like Jenolite, contain phosphoric acid. That might be worth a try?
Jim.
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colwyn500 · Joined: 21 Oct 2012 Posts: 1745 Location: Nairn, Scotland

Thanks Jim. Off to try that now.

kevin2306 · Posted: Thu Jun 26, 2014 10:24 am Post subject:

Did this exercise last winter on the Singer, I had some rigid but thin emery cloth which worked well on the female spades, fine wet n dry on everything else.
Once clean I applied some Contralube to prevent future corrosion

http://contralube.com/contralube-770/

Kev

colwyn500 · Joined: 21 Oct 2012 Posts: 1745 Location: Nairn, Scotland

baconsdozen · Joined: 03 Dec 2007 Posts: 1119 Location: Under the car.

Harpic (has to be the one marked 100% lime scale remover) is brilliant on corroded brass. Might be worth a try on the connectors especially spade type ones as they're brassed.
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Thirty years selling imperial hand tools for old machinery(Now happily retired).

kevin2306 · Posted: Sat Jun 28, 2014 8:56 am Post subject:

Ive been thinking about this issue some more.
I used abrasion to remove any corrosion found on the connectors followed up by the application of contralube prior to reconnection. I stayed clear of using any cleaners as I was worried they may get into the loom and cause further corrosion/degradation.

Kev